The Daily News. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1917. THE ALL-ABSORBING TOPIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1917. THE ALL-ABSORBING TOPIC.

T! e rupture of diplomatic relations lic;tween America and Germany has caused a flutter of excitement throughout the ivorld, and is the dominant subject of public comment. Wo have already indicated the probable motive which induced Germany to take a step which in some quarters is viewed as a colossal blundw, but which was certainly dictated more by cunning than -statecraft. In view of President Wilson's definite threat of Miy 4, in connection with the sinking of ilie Sussex, »there was, as the President ■'(."narked in his speech to the .Senate, n) alternative consistent with the dignity and honor of America but to taSe the course indicated in the Note referred to, if Germany did not abandon ths methods of submarine warfare she was Gun employing, and to which she now proposes to revert. It seems to be perfectly clear that Germany, in her desperation, has jettisoned what little remaining caution she possessed. It may be that she considered President Wilson would never consent to resort to hostilities. and his conduct throughout, the war gave color to such an assumption. Far more likely, however, is it that Germany h::s become absolutely reckless of consequences so far as alienating the friendship of America is concerned, and thi?, '■' mad dog of Europe" is prepared to rend ff'iends and foes alike in order that an end may be put to (lie war. The contemptuous manner in which Germany has treated President Wilson in the past passes comprehension, but tiie deliberate affront that has now been flung at America shows that Germany at last realises that she deserves the title of "the outcast of Europe." li is taxing our credulity too much to believe that Germany has any hope that her unlimited piracy will have any other effect on the Allies than to spur them to increased efforts in the attainment of victory. That she is aware of America's unpreparedness and disinclination fjir war may be taken for granted. At the same time it is difficult to understand why Germany has not taken into consideration the many obvious ways in which America can materially injure her und assist the Entente Powers. How the Kaiser and his minions can reconcile their unctuous professions on s behalf of humanity with this policy of unrestricted submarining defies comprehension, and it is only explainable by the fact that Germany is a law unto herself. The only glimmer of light on this woeful and barbaric campaign of destruction comes >'.ius in the guise of a suggestion that if America is forced into the war she will take part in the peace discussions, and, it is hoped, secure for the Central (fcven more tana« tfuut tttey

could othenvhe reasonably expect. Tim President of ihe United States may be "wobbly,'' but lie certainly does not belong to the class represented by those v!io rush in where angels fear to tread. The outburst of enthusiasm in the Senate and by the American people over the announcement of the' severance of diplomatic relations indicates (lie feeling of the country towards German arrogance and brutality. We do not expect much direct help from America in the i.-vonf of her jninin;,' the Allies, hut her example cannot fail lo influence neutrals. :nid already this is in evidence b_v the 'itt itudo of the South Amoriean republics. Britain must necessarily bear the brunt of tlie responsibility for coping Avitli the l.iiest U-boat campaign that the main anxiety is whether she can perform so great and dangerous a task. There should he no uncertainly on (his point, for the Admiralty has let it be known that it can and will cope with the menace. As the German intentions have been known for some considerable time past, the British Admiralty has made the necessary preparations to deal with both enemy submarines and mines. There wiil be losses; that i< inevitable; but the confidence in our Navy is so great that the underwriters at Lloyds* have decided not to increase the rates of marine insurance. Xo act could engender greater confidence than this, except die continuance of regular sailings and regular bookings, and this also is assured. Why, having already lost so heavily. Germany is madly plunging into a final vortex of disaster is known only to herself. While we may view the position with reasonable concern, there should be calm confidence in the result. Germany may yet bow to the storm she has raised, land thereby escape the penalty of her present madness, but it would not bt j wist to rely on so remote a possibility.